Baseball 2017-2018

The link contains Summer League info for returning players and Minor League Assignments for those drafted.

"He's a little bit ball-dominant, he needs to have the ball in his hands, and he's not a good shooter." Ball-dominant … isn't that a nice way of calling someone a ball hog? Where is my Jay Bilas Thesaurus?
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It's a bit of shame that we have to host such events off campus. If only there were more room where the present field is for stands that could comfortably accommodate 5,000 to 6,000 fans. It's also a shame that we can't afford to pay our head baseball coach an amount that would justify him and his staff to truly commit to the Musketeer program. As much as the basketball program and the Cintas Center bring into the Xavier sports program, it's difficult to see why we cannot adequately support the baseball program such that we have inviting facilities and the cash to pay proven coaches and manager to stay put!

So we have a giant hurdle to fly over: a combination to commit to the baseball program in terms of facilities and coaches salaries. Baseball can be a bigger draw than it currently is. The sport is historic in Cincinnati. But Xavier needs to do more to interest the fans. We at least have to be made to feel that the Muskie baseball program is considered important enough to be treated (on a Ca$h basis) as annual contender for a trip to the College World Series on an annual basis through its excellence in Big East play and beyond.

Xavier may be reloading in 2018, but they scheduled up this year. Notable noncon opponents (also in last year's NCAA Tournament) include Florida State, Kentucky, Louisville, Wright State and Dallas Baptist.

They also have a West Coast roadie this year with 3 games at Saint Mary's, a midweek game against Cal and a 3-game series at San Francisco.

Little bit of a new wrinkle this season in that Xavier will return to requiring paid tickets for attendance at baseball games this year. General admission tickets are $5, but a season ticket would be $25 and also includes a Xavier mini-bat that can be picked up at any home game in March or April. This is similar to the scarf promotion that Xavier has for the soccer teams.

Also don't forget that Xavier will be hosting the Big East Tournament at Prasco Park up in Mason this season. Tickets for the tournament go on sale at a later time (and are separate).

We are 3 days away from Baseball Season starting. Any hope of a return to the College Playoffs?

"He's a little bit ball-dominant, he needs to have the ball in his hands, and he's not a good shooter." Ball-dominant … isn't that a nice way of calling someone a ball hog? Where is my Jay Bilas Thesaurus?
Follow XH on TwitterFollow XH on Facebook

They've got the bats to contend for the Big East and possibly get back to the NCAA Tournament, but they're hitting the reset button on the pitching staff. Matt Kent was a preseason All-Big East selection, but I don't know if he'll move to the starting rotation (like Garrett Schilling did last year) or remain in the bullpen.